These deer won’t invade the garden

This trio of deer planters is a great way for do-it-yourselfers (and animal lovers) to add a little wildlife to the yard this summer. Perfect for plants and flowers on the porch or patio or even indoors, they’re guaranteed not to eat the greenery.

Each planter is built from just 14 pieces cut from standard lumber, plus wooden balls and buttons for the noses and eyes. All three sizes are constructed following the same five basic steps, so once the first is done the others are especially easy – so easy the whole family can help.

How to build it

To build, just trace the parts onto wood and cut out. Next, sand and assemble using glue and nails. Finally, add the eyes and nose and apply a clear finish (as pictured), paint or stain. Do-it-yourselfers can build any or all of the three in any combination.

The small deer measures 16 inches tall by 14 inches long by 7 inches wide, the medium deer stands 24 inches tall by 22 inches long by 10 inches wide, and the large deer is 32 inches tall by 30 inches long by 13 inches wide.

How to order the plan

The Deer Planter Trio plan, No. 745, is $9.95 and includes step-by-step directions with photos, full-size traceable patterns, an assembly diagram, a shopping list and cutting schedule and a toll-free help line for project questions.

A package of three animal planter plans, No. C103, is $21.95 and includes this plan plus plans for a cow planter and a donkey cart planter. A catalog picturing hundreds of do-it-yourself projects is $2. Please include $4 for postage and handling (except catalog-only orders) and allow about two weeks for delivery.

To order by mail, clip this article and send it with a check or money order to U-Bild Features, c/o The Spokesman-Review, 3800 Oceanic Drive, Suite 107, Oceanside, CA 92056. To order by credit card, call 1-800-828-2453.

Visit U-Bild on the web at u-bild.com.